DHA vs MOH vs DOH — Which UAE Nursing Exam Should You Take?
Difficulty, fees, salary and validity compared for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates (2026)
Get Personalized AdviceQuick Comparison
| Feature | DHA Dubai | DOH Abu Dhabi | MOH UAE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate Coverage | Dubai only | Abu Dhabi | Other Emirates |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Questions | 100 MCQs | 100 MCQs | 100 MCQs |
| Pass Mark | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| License Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Salary Range | AED 8,000-15,000 | AED 7,000-14,000 | AED 6,000-12,000 |
| Difficulty | High | High | Moderate |
Which UAE Nursing Exam Should You Take?
Choosing the right UAE nursing exam depends on where you want to work. DHA is for Dubai, DOH (formerly HAAD) is for Abu Dhabi, and MOH covers other emirates like Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Dubai offers the highest salaries but also has higher living costs. Abu Dhabi provides a balance of good pay and lower expenses. MOH emirates offer more affordable living with competitive salaries.
Exam Difficulty Comparison
DHA is generally considered the most challenging, followed by DOH, with MOH being slightly easier. However, all exams cover similar nursing content and require thorough preparation. The key differences are in the exam duration and question style. DHA and DOH tend to have more clinical scenario-based questions, while MOH includes more straightforward knowledge-based questions.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
Dubai (DHA) offers the highest nursing salaries in UAE, ranging from AED 8,000-15,000 per month depending on experience and specialization. Abu Dhabi (DOH) salaries range from AED 7,000-14,000. Other emirates (MOH) typically offer AED 6,000-12,000. All positions include benefits like housing allowance, health insurance, and annual flight tickets.
License Conversion Between Emirates
If you have a license from one emirate and want to work in another, you can apply for license conversion. DHA to DOH or MOH conversion is relatively straightforward with additional documentation. Converting from MOH to DHA may require additional verification. It's recommended to initially obtain the license for your preferred emirate.
Which Prep Path Fits Each UAE Exam?
Exam in 2 weeks? The 10-Day Crash Course is the fastest path for DHA, MOH or DOH — daily targeted topics, mocks and revision. Have 1–2 months? The Guided Self-Study Plan ($99, lifetime access) walks you through a 28-day app-guided roadmap that's perfect for working nurses. On a tight budget? Buy DHA / MOH / DOH-specific Study Materials ($35) and self-pace. Need expert hand-holding? Live 1-on-1 Coaching with Phoenix RN faculty is the highest-touch option — recommended if you've failed before or are short on study time.
Choose Your Prep Path
Whichever exam you pick, Phoenix RN has four ways to prepare. Choose by timeline and budget.
10-Day Crash Course
$125
Exam in 2 weeks? Pass in 10 days with a day-by-day plan, high-yield notes and daily mock tests.
Buy Crash CourseGuided Self-Study Plan
$99
App-guided 28-day roadmap with lifetime access, full Q&A bank, mock tests and progress tracking.
Start Self-StudyBuy Study Materials
$35
Exam-specific notes, 6,000+ Study Notes & Q&A and topic-wise mock tests. Lifetime access.
View MaterialsLive Coaching
Custom
Personal tutoring with Phoenix RN faculty — flexible schedule, doubt-clearing and full preparation.
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Not Sure Which Exam to Take?
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"Phoenix RN's coaching made NHRA feel doable. The mock tests were almost identical to the real exam pattern. Passed in my first attempt!"
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Passed NHRA · Bahrain
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Passed DHA · UAE
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